9 Little Known Watercolor SECRETS to Level Up your Results!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Let me know in the comments if you learned something new! If you enjoyed this video, try this rarely used technique next: NOT Masking Fluid - This Watercolor Trick is a Game Changer for Fine Lines! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZm1Y52ffq2sgNU

[@patriciahubbard5832]

Yes, I learned the candle wax trick when I first started painting. I also use it for tree bark sometimes. Occasionally for spring thaw mountains.

[@Kate-sp1vx6vz9z]

Could you use a child's white crayon in lieu of the candle? It seems to me the candle would be difficult to control. Or perhaps a birthday cake candle, for a smaller bore? What about kitchen paraffin carved or melted into a more convenient shape?

[@angelikawitter5305]

Thank you! I watch your videos regularly and have gained so much knowledge from them. This light yellow (nickel t.) for example was completely new to me, and I have ordered it at once. I will also try out the splattering and using candle wax. I have recommended your channel to all my friends in our painters' association. Geli from Bavaria

[@suel4269]

@@Kate-sp1vx6vz9zI have used a white birthday candle.

[@hmadrone]

I do shibori dyeing, and red pigments are well known for running, bleeding, and fading. The pigment particles in reds are smaller and so they move more easily. Many classic shibori resist techniques work much better with indigo than they do with madder. Red dyes evade the resists more easily and run into areas you'd like to keep them out of.

[@jondoh587]

And that particle-size explanation fits my experience with colored pencils, too. aha! I've found red pencils blend so much easier than other colors. The pigment seems to move across the paper effortlessly. Thank you for clearing up this mystery!

[@treesapgrl]

I love all the cat approved bits, especially since today is International Cat Day. Thank you for all these pawmazing tips!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I discovered the AI tool in my graphics program and set about creating cat characters 🤣 the black one is real though 😉

[@dessyedeeclark1144]

It would be fun if you were to a cat painting class. Especially cats doing active things or cat clever moments.​@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber

[@natlisan]

I have used masking fluid to create water highlights but I apply it with a dry brush to achieve a more sporadic appearance. It actually gives you a similar look to the wax resist!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Great tip!

[@brightonrosie]

That’s a great idea Thank you for sharing

[@dessyedeeclark1144]

I loved that painrs with the same number are NOT the same. And I appreciate the explanation about 'm' for micron and optical color facts

[@aliciashackley5830]

So many great tips Michele. Thx as always. 🥰💕🐶💕🥰

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks Alicia!

[@fdej51289]

I am an experienced watercolor artist and you made me realized a mistake I made today.. putting layers onto opaque napels yellow. I lost all the freshness. . Thanks for the good tip making me aware.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

We are all learning all the time! Glad I could help :-)

[@belligou]

Thank you Michele. Not everything was new to me but I still learned a lot. You are one of the few teachers who explains all those little details that are so important and sometimes make things not work.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I'm so glad!

[@marielouisedavidson4834]

Excellent tips for watercolor and reminders about certain techniques. I totally agree that the candle wax it much better and easier to use. many thanks!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BrookeLewis]

I'm so thankful for you! You're adorable and you share amazing videos! Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you so much!

[@carolmikolj5134]

Thanks for the great tip about using biro in line and wash work. I do experiment with biros, mainly in zentangle art, but never thought about line and wash. The sound you hear is the penny dropping, followed closely by my jaw...😃Thanks again for this great tip. I always learn something from your tips and tricks videos. Definitely cat approved.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Ah, something new for you to try then!

[@colleencc7]

I’ve been at a beginner level for a few years now and a lot of these tips were new - and very helpful- to me! You really are one of the best artists on KZbin or any other platform at explaining things in ways that can easily be understood and applied to our own projects at any level. Thank you for all your help and work that goes into these (my cats Avery and Luka also are appreciative of course…..).

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks so much and hi Avery and Luka!

[@cousinjesse4450]

The candle wax is the winner in my opinion. I’m still learning so I don’t have any secrets unless you need tips on over mixing and making a nice mud color pretty good at that. All these secrets are amazing.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You never know when mud my be useful though! :-)

[@stephanieh930]

Good tip on the red paint! As a beginner, I haven't seen this yet, but I'm not surprised; In my sewing room I am quite familiar with red color fabrics/materials being more likely to bleed than other colors when washed!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hadn't thought of that, I sew too, and you're right!

[@celticpeasant9753]

Michele those were awesome tips. The candle wax was totally new to me and I absolutely agree that it created better water than the masking fluid. Thank you so much for all the tips - so much of them were new to me

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@bobartex1812]

Very good tips, a number I'll definitely use. Thank you 😊

[@kelliebach5240]

The red bleeding more makes sense because many red colors are smaller pigment size like Quinacridones then the blue like cobalts which are us larger, pigments size size and I find the smaller pigments definitely drift a lot more.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Well I hadn't thought of that, good point!

[@amexjam55]

Hi, Michelle. All excellent tips and tricks. Using candlewax instead of masking fluid was new to me. Thank you. 🐈‍⬛🐈🐈‍⬛

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gleann_cuilinn]

thanks so much for the advice!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No worries!

[@marilynbeeby6435]

Another great video, Michele. I ALWAYS learn something from them. It's good to learn the science too, thank you 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are most welcome!

[@monaroberts1168]

Love these videos. This was pure gold. Thanks. I learned so much!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@paulinemilat5276]

useful advice..thankyou

[@Galbereth]

That was really helpful! I especially like the tip about very watery painting. I often get into trouble when painting very pale, watery colours and so will brush slower and with more care next time. It's physics really isn't it - not my strong point so that was very good to be told. Thank you Michele, you're fab! Love, Mel in Devon 🍰🌻 P.s. The comments about hot press paper are so on-point. I don't like it at all for watercolour painting.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Hi Mel, I'm not great at science either! Glad you liked it!

[@schragdenker5425]

Very useful, thank you so much, Michele!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You're welcome!

[@deborahgonsalves35]

New learning on using the black line to distinguish opaque and transparent colors. Thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome!

[@conniemesce4093]

Interesting video! Thank you ❤

[@madgrammy697]

I was familiar with most of these tips, but reminders are always necessary! The ones totally new to me were the red oxide being so different 😮 and I’d never thought about using a biro. Thanks Michele. Happy Saturday 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thank you!

[@carollegros8671]

Excellent advise. I hate masking fluid, but it does give you thin lines. Thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem!

[@patriciahubbard5832]

Thank you for the very helpful tips.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are very welcome!

[@jenninemidkiff783]

Thank you for the information. I didn't know about the ball point pen. 😊

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I think I learned from seeing artwork on Instagram a few years back!

[@kirsihaarto5209]

This was great, one of your best. Loved the information

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Awesome, thank you!

[@deborahjohnston2808]

Wonderful information!Thank you!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandyhardy3419]

Such great info !

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you think so!

[@glorioskiola]

Re papers: Colors look brighter on hot press than cold press. That's why many artists who do floral portraits use hot press paper, especially for yellows and very delicate colors. The texture of cold press paper actually leaves tiny shadows that make the colors look duller. I do use mostly cold press (landscapes) because I love the way pigment moves on it. On anther subject, certain pigments such as PR101 and Pbr7 are known to have very different "looks" depending on how they are processed. How finely ground, how much they are heated etc.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I guess I like the way the pigments spread on the texture, both have their good points :-)

[@asayeed2853]

The candle substitute for masking fluid is genius! Comparing both is like chalk and cheese! Natural methods give the best results! :) Thank you for sharing!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

They do! Thanks for watching!

[@sarahcolwell4493]

I agree. Thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks!

[@francesmaguire4351]

Thank you for sharing your secrets Michele. I do prefer your candle wax for water ... masking fluid is so tricky. Your secret about the pigment with the red oxides was fascinating and very helpful.. I had a similar experience with a burnt sienna. Oh and a great tip for testing opacity with the black line.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you liked it!

[@deborahgonsalves35]

Also will try the candle wax instead of masking fluid to retain white of the paper. Good alternative

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks for watching!

[@holliexenahitchcock]

Thank you SO much for that clarity on cp vs hp paper! I’ve had hp paper recommended, especially by some portrait artists and I just have consistently found it a real struggle to get the paint to perform the way I would like. It’s actually taken the joy out of the performance of the watercolors for me!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are so welcome! It has its uses, but it isn't easy.

[@lindathaxton1994]

Thank you 🙏

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You’re welcome 😊

[@LoriDonohue]

Very informative! Thanks

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No problem Lori!

[@LoriF25403]

Can you do a video on brush holding? I've seen some hold the brush closer to the ferrul and others at the end. I'm never sure what benefits the stroke more

[@kathystaudenmayer2277]

Another great informative video! I really like the tips you provide. I've noticed the bleeding with reds also, but never put two and two together to plan around that effect. Also liked advice on yellows trapping pencils and laying opaques. Loved your cat detective picture.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I discovered AI in my graphics program. Write any profession followed by 'cat' and it delivers!

[@franfarrer1500]

Very informative ty❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You are welcome!

[@richardnelson8488]

Very interesting! I love your show really good 👍☯️☮️💖💖💖💖

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks!

[@alajnabiya]

Oh thank you for explaining how 2 paints with the exact same pigment number can actually look different. I just recently looked up all the pigment numbers for my van Gogh pan set and saw that there were a few like that. I remember phthalo green and "veridian" in particular. I was wondering why they looked different when they only had the one pigment in each.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@delphinewood7519]

I learn something from every video you post. I didn’t know most yellows are somewhat opaque. Thanks. 🐈‍⬛

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you like them!

[@mariannehartman2941]

Thank you for sharing your experience with watercolours etc!!❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

My pleasure 😊

[@karabear19]

You start this off with a comparison between hot and cold pressed and I'm literally doing a flower painting, watching this, using hot press paper lol

[@lindaolsen7828]

Super useful information. The hot press vs cold press info was new to me. And i I wii incorporate the information on layering consciously instead of hit or miss. I never tried candle masking, but it is obviously a better choice than masking fluid or picking up damp paint, esp for light glitter on water.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karenirving7088]

Brilliant video thank you so much

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@jakea1035]

Thank you.

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No worries 🙂

[@shellyc1016]

Thank you Michelle! I didn't know about the yellow paint! Do you have any suggestions for a transparent yellow to use? Great informative video!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Most cool yellows are semi opaque, for mid yellow you can try Aureolin, but it does have a few concerns about transparency. For warm yellows you have more transparent options, Indian Yellow or Winsor and Newton Transparent Yellow. For more research I recommend Jane Blundell website, where many brands are swatched and compared.

[@shellyc1016]

Thank you Michele!

[@madhyahusta8470]

A recommendation Michele, perhaps you could make a video on how to mix whites and blacks. Thank you for demonstrating how mixing transparent paints make the colors look more vibrant. I also learned to venture with whites, since time and time again I hear artists say no white in watercolor. Thanks!❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

I have a video on white paint and 5 ways of using it without making mud 🙂

[@suel4269]

That’s me “ I can mix that myself” ask my friend,Alicia 😂

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

😅

[@TheBradycardia1]

Great talk ❤

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Thanks 👍

[@barbarae3677]

Can I use a white crayon instead of a candle?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes you can, but it won't be transparent. It will still resist watercolour though!

[@sams5963]

Can masking fluid be thinned and still work?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

Yes but don't water it down too much 👍

[@abhijitmondal6506]

Good video

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

🙏👍 thanks!

[@mariafitzy1981]

Are there ways to remove the candle wax in case it’s too much once it’s painted over?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

You can iron some grease proof baking paper or similar over the top but there's no guarantee of getting it all out so best to be cautious on application.

[@madgrammy697]

Could practise a bit first, helps you get an idea of how much to apply.

[@briankuehn5379]

What wax is the candle made of? Paraffin or stearin? Or doesn’t it matter?

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

No idea, cheap supermarket ones!

[@briankuehn5379]

@@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber Most likely paraffin then…

[@mariannehartman2941]

I just bought a bottle of masking fluid!!😂

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

🤣 it's useful for lots of things don't worry 😉

[@melaniebaynes2730]

I absolutely detest masking fluid! It doesn't matter how much I try and soften the hard edges after it's been removed, the edges just never look natural. I avoid using it as much as I possibly can, and dread it if I have no other choice. Especially with flowers, it's dreadful stuff!

[@IntheStudiowithMicheleWebber]

The only time I use it for flowers is for the stamens in the centre, but yes it's mostly too hard edged.